Hi Pitch "POP" Tone, How?? - How can I produce that HI POP sound ?

[blas]

Reaching a bit farther across the top of the drum, to land the slap on the far side of the head, has helped me to tighten up the sound, and produce a bit higher pitch. It also reqires less effort, but a good player can produce a slap from anywhere.
I also find that a good slap involves my fingertips bending as far backward as they go. Maybe think of unrolling a carpet, when the last bit of carpet unrolls...
Another thing, using the "snatch the dime" approach: when beginning to close the hand, rather than drag your fingertips across the head, drag your fingerprints, and press the drum with them.
I hope this helps. I am also a novice and obviously many experienced people on this forum can give you better advice, but I was hoping to provide a few details from a beginners perspective. I am now producing good sounds from my drums and working on developing flow, coordination, speed, and accuracy. And of course there's always new music to try playing. But I know what it's like to see someone strike a drum and be like "how did he do that?"

[Diceman]

My teacher taught me by telling me to relax my arm and hand, which then naturally falls into a slight cup, then grabbing my wrist and hitting the drum using my relaxed hand---perfect pops started to happen. Learning point-relaxed hand and no real effort required, a little pressure at the end just to keep the fingers in contact for a split second to stop the open tone.
There are probably many ways to produce these depending on the hand and drum, but that one works for me.

My two pence

Diceman

[Firebrand]

hi hat,

Yoni's description is very good. Keep at it...you'll get it pretty consistently in about 2 months of bi-daily practice.

I practiced from a June to an August in 2004 on this and other patterns, bi-daily, maybe 1-2 hours on those days...by September, I was popping real good.

Doesn't take long to master.

[lucionk]

My 2 cents

The slap comes from the subconcious mind. Its like learning to tie your shoe laces or to sign your name, the first time its a challenge but after a zillion times the activity gradually is assigned to the subconcious part of your brain. In fact when I have to THINK about my slaps is when they seem to come apart. Your hands are smarter than your brain.

Another problem with our brains is how it perceives the slap sound. Being somewhat loud (or even violent) we naturally tend to use too much force. This must be resisted at all cost not to mention the pain of bone bruises this can cause.

Another process that takes place is something you might call the "law of economy in motion". When guitarist are learning to fingerpick at first their fingers flail all over the place. but after the activity is repeated many times their fingers gradually begin to eliminate all unnecesary motion.

There is a wealth of information on this board to help anyone with this technique but consistent success comes when you can do it without thinking so much.

lucionk

[afrocubarico]

Hey congueros!
I very much enjoyed reading everyone's suggestions and tips on the slap or high pitch "POP" tone. I'm still in the process of finding my slap, a sound that I've become enamored with.

After 3 1/2 months I must admit that it is finally coming out, although there will be days where I can't get a decent slap if my life depended on it (very frustrating).

I am having a problem with something I hope you more experienced fellas can help with. When playing a tumbao with two drums, the slap right before my hand goes to the tumba disappears! If I slow down the tempo I can get it back but I don't want to get "comfortable" playing at a slow tempo.

I can get a good slap when I'm on the quinto alone but as soon as my brain knows that my right hand has to slap the quinto and then travel to the tumba for the open tones, I lose that slap. Has this ever happened to anyone? If so, please help!!

Many thanks,
Roberto



Edited By afrocubarico on 1149576079

[CongaTick]

Roberto,

Yes...I would guess that is the case for many of us during early tumbao practice. The answer --- which I believe all of us will attest to-- is simple: Practice. Your brain/muscle memory hasn't quite gotten to the point of clearly separating the slap as a clean, independent stroke preceding the tumba open tone. It will as soon as you gain "slap confidence". It will come with practice. Be patiently persisitent.

[afrocubarico]

Congatick,
Thanks for the advice, I'm sure you're right. I think it's a combination of psychological and lack of sufficient technique as I have only been playing for a very short time. I'll definitely keep at it and remind myself that good things come to those who slap persistently.

afrocubarico

[JohnnyConga]

Oye Homey ...if u have a Camera with ur PC I would be more that happy to help u out online....but we have to be connected by MSN messenger OK.....just remember I am 3 hours "behind" you....here in Seattle....paz..."JC" Johnny Conga...

[afrocubarico]

Baya JC, gracias! I don't have a camera as of yet but I will be getting one soon. I'll give you a heads-up as soon as I do. I appreciate the gesture.

afrocubarico